That night from the basement wouldn't leave his head. ——I want a friend. Rimuru Tempest sat in his morning office, gazing out the window while turning those words over in his mind. The surface of the Amelda River glittered in the morning sun. The sound of carts echoed from Kaede Street. Just another ordinary morning. Except it wasn't ordinary anymore. (Carrying this alone won't solve anything.) Rimuru set down his pen. "[serious]Alright——let's call an executive meeting" --- The grand conference hall of Vergrand Castle was on the second floor above ground. A circular table that seated a hundred. The place where daily meetings were held every morning at nine. Today wasn't a regular meeting. It was an emergency summons. Benimaru arrived first. Chestnut-brown hair tied back in a single knot, sharp golden eyes fixed straight ahead. The small horns near his ears reflected the morning light. His 180-centimeter frame was perfectly fitted in the uniform of a samurai general. The sca